Perfection, from Beginning to End

Transformations don’t happen overnight. There’s no “easy” button or wave of a magic wand. 

True change takes work, dedication and trust – trust in yourself and, in Michelle Howard’s case, trust in a plastic surgeon to help her reclaim her confidence and feel like herself again. 

At 57, Michelle reflects on a journey that began over 11 years ago in New England, when she weighed 302 pounds and made the life-changing decision to undergo bariatric surgery. Her goal was clear: lose weight and embrace a healthier lifestyle. 

‘Where Does the Skin Go?’ 

Losing the weight was hard, Michelle recalled. But what came after was something she hadn’t fully anticipated – all the remaining loose skin. 

The excess skin took both a physical and emotional toll. 

“Losing 165 pounds honestly was the easy part – and that wasn’t easy at all,” Michelle said. “I didn’t understand; when you lose the weight, where does the skin go?” 

The loose, hanging skin was cumbersome, restricted her movement, and became a barrier to her confidence. She knew something had to change. 

At that time, Michelle worked as a patient care coordinator for a plastic surgery practice, giving her firsthand insight into the field. She knew exactly what to look for in a surgeon – and after extensive research, one name stood out: Heidi Harrington, M.D. 

Dr. Harrington, a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in Portsmouth, N.H., was at the forefront of industry advancements. Her expertise, combined with her compassionate approach, made her the perfect fit for Michelle’s next step. 

“When you work in the industry, you can see where some doctors don’t stay ‘up to date’ on the new techniques and trends,” Michelle explained. “Dr. Harrington was different – she had the knowledge, experience, and innovation I was looking for.” 

From the First Appointment 

From their very first meeting, Michelle knew she had found the right surgeon. 

“I walked away and thought, ‘There’s no one else,’” she said. “She truly, truly cares about her patients. You feel it from the minute you walk in for your consultation.” 

Despite the vulnerability that can come with discussing body insecurities, Michelle felt completely at ease. Dr. Harrington’s perfectionist, detail-oriented, and matter-of-fact approach reassured her every step of the way. 

“Michelle had achieved something incredible, and I know how much discipline and hard work it had taken,” Dr. Harrington said. “I was so thankful she had taken the time to come see me as the final part of her journey. She had a significant amount of excess skin, which is completely normal after major weight loss. Unfortunately, when the skin has been stretched for so long, it often doesn’t retract fully, no matter how much exercise or toning you do. The good news is that we have very effective surgical options to help reshape the body and remove excess skin.” 

Together, they developed a customized surgical plan. 

“We discussed scar placement, recovery, and what to expect during healing,” Dr. Harrington added. “I encouraged her to take her time with the decision and made sure she felt fully informed and comfortable moving forward. My goal was to help her feel as confident in her body as she deserved to be.” 

A Life-Changing Transformation 

Over the next few years, Michelle underwent a series of body contouring procedures. First a thighplasty (thigh lift) and buttocks lift five years ago, followed by a brachioplasty (arm lift) a couple of years later. 

“Dr. Harrington knew all the latest and greatest technology and understood the risks.” Michelle said. “She was incredibly detailed in explaining everything – what would happen during the surgery, the recovery process, and how I would feel at each stage. I never once felt uncertain. There were no guessing games.” With each procedure, Michelle felt more like herself again. 

“Confidence shines from within, and mine was gone – until I met Dr. Harrington,” she said. “She gave me a new lease on life. Now I can go out and dance. I can wear clothes that fit. I feel like me again.” 

For Dr. Harrington, these procedures are about more than aesthetics. 

“This isn’t just a physical transformation – it’s an emotional one, too,” she said. “For Michelle, it wasn’t just about appearance; it was about reclaiming her life and celebrating what she had gained – strength, confidence, and a body that finally felt like hers.” 

From Surgeon to Friend 

Dr. Harrington understood the vulnerability Michelle faced during her journey – something many patients experience when undergoing reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. 

Throughout Michelle’s procedures, Dr. Harrington provided unwavering support, encouragement and positivity. 

“If you’re considering surgery, Dr. Harrington will walk you through your vision with complete honesty.” Michelle said. “And when you come out of surgery, she’s your biggest cheerleader. You feel her empathy.” 

Patients are never alone on their journey, Dr. Harrington added. 

“I will be with them every step of the way, ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and happy with their results,” she said. “For Michelle, this was the final chapter of her weight loss journey, and I wanted to make sure it was a beautiful one.” 

During her recovery from one of her procedures, Michelle experienced a panic attack. 

“I was in bed, and suddenly, I couldn’t breathe,” she recalled. She left a message for Dr. Harrington, who was not on call at the time. Within minutes, Dr. Harrington called her back and calmly talked her through it. 

“Even when she’s not on call, she checks in,” Michelle said. “She is so involved. That personal connection makes all the difference.” 

Michelle and Dr. Harrington have built a strong bond rooted in trust, support and friendship. Now living in Charleston, Michelle is thrilled that Dr. Harrington has also relocated to the Lowcountry, where she leads Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics and sees patients in Okatie. The practice opened its doors in Fall 2024. 

“She knows her stuff – and she’s relatable. In this industry, that’s rare,” Michelle said. “I’ve had exceptional care. If I had to describe the experience in one word, it’s perfection, from beginning to end.” 

The connection and trust between the surgeon and patient have brought Michelle to visit Dr. Harrington regularly at her new office for facial rejuvenation procedures, and Dr. Harrington is always delighted to see a familiar face.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Heidi Harrington, call 843-707-8020.